Ce-MBGs Loaded with Gentamicin: Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) are crucial in tissue engineering for hard tissue regeneration.
• Postoperative bacterial infections are a common complication of biomaterial implants, often treated with systemic antibiotics.
• Developing localized antibiotic delivery systems integrated with biomaterials is essential to mitigate infection risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize gentamicin (Gen) loading onto cerium-doped mesoporous bioactive glasses (Ce-MBGs).
• To evaluate the antibacterial properties, bioactivity, and antioxidant capacity of Gen-loaded Ce-MBGs.
• To assess the potential of Gen-loaded Ce-MBGs as a dual-action system for hard tissue regeneration and infection control.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of cerium-doped mesoporous bioactive glasses (Ce-MBGs).
• Optimization of gentamicin (Gen) loading onto Ce-MBGs, assessing loading efficiency up to 7%.
• In vitro evaluation of antibacterial efficacy, bioactivity (e.g., hydroxyapatite formation), and antioxidant properties over 10 days.

Main Results:

• Gentamicin loading efficiency on Ce-MBGs was achieved up to 7% and was independent of cerium content.
• The optimized Gen-loaded Ce-MBGs retained significant bioactivity and antioxidant properties.
• Controlled release of gentamicin demonstrated antibacterial efficacy for up to 10 days.

Conclusions:

• Gen-loaded Ce-MBGs represent a promising biomaterial for simultaneous hard tissue regeneration and localized antibiotic delivery.
• These materials effectively combat bacterial infections associated with surgical implants.
• The dual functionality of Ce-MBGs offers a novel approach to improving outcomes in tissue engineering applications.